On November 7th, 2023, St. Francis de Sales Institute, in collaboration with the Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute Malta, hosted a thought-provoking seminar titled “The Experience of Presence in Psychotherapeutic and Educational Settings.” Held at The Notch Conference Centre, the seminar explored the intersections and distinctions between two transformative practices—psychotherapy and education—with a focus on their shared commitment to personal growth.
The seminar centered on the recent study conducted by Rev. Dr. Paul Formosa, SDB, as documented in his publication, A Journey to the Soul: Exploring Presence at the Heart of Gestalt Therapy and Salesian Education (Sliema: Pubblikazzjoni Salesjana, 2023). Rev. Dr. Formosa’s work provided a foundational lens for the discussions, delving into the concept of presence as a pivotal element in both therapeutic and educational contexts.
The seminar highlighted the shared objective of personal growth in both psychotherapy and education, examining how presence fosters trust and development. Gestalt psychotherapy’s focus on the “here and now” relationships was paralleled with Salesian education’s emphasis on holistic pupil development through nurturing relationships. While therapy often prioritizes individual settings, education typically involves groups but values personal connections. Discussions explored how therapeutic and educational practices can enrich each other, integrating Gestalt principles into education and applying Salesian philosophies to therapy, ultimately promoting interdisciplinary collaboration for holistic growth.
The seminar marked a significant step in fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between psychotherapists and educators. By examining shared values and exploring practical applications, attendees left with new insights into how these fields can collaborate to promote holistic growth in individuals.
St. Francis de Sales Institute and the Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute Malta remain committed to nurturing such conversations, paving the way for innovative practices that bridge the worlds of therapy and education.
